There’s a chill in the air, the leaves have begun to turn, and pumpkin spice everything has started popping up.  It also means that Halloween is right around the corner, making it the perfect season for horror movies, costumes, and things that go bump in the night.  Like werewolves, ghosts, skeletons, and zombies,  all of which also make perfect labels for your Halloween party!  With that in mind, we’ll be using the next few weeks here on First Pour Wine to examine if any of these Halloween wines are a good choice for your next ghoulish gathering.

If you’re going as a witch this year, 2012 Moselland Riesling might be the perfect accessory.  Coming in a black cat bottle, Moselland Riesling has a definite critter marketing edge, but does it also contain a quality wine? 

Sight:  Moselland Riesling pours a moderate yellow, slightly on the lighter side, showing a touch of aging.

Smell:  A touch of honey comes off the top, there’s a good number of floral aromas like honeysuckle.  A subtle minerality and green grape note comes up, with light lemon pith.

Sip:  Moselland Riesling starts off bright, moves slightly sweet, but is more on the off dry end of the spectrum.  Texturally, the residual sugar adds a hint of weight, and the small bubbles come into play adding some levity.  Floral flavors are prominent but still not overly strong. Fresh lemon and honey play backup roles, with a hint of subtle minerality.

Savor:  The ending is a touch bitter, but not overly so, with lemon pith and hints of flowers.

Moselland Riesling is ok, but the example lacks definition in to bring it to the next level in nose, texture, or finish.   As riesling goes, Dr. L Riesling isn’t that much different than Moselland Riesling, but it costs less.   This cost is compounded when you realize that Moselland Riesling’s cat bottle is only 500ml, or two-thirds of the size of an average bottle of wine.  If you have to have the cat bottle, Moselland Riesling is a great accessory, but as riesling goes goes, it’s merely ok.

Verdict:  Fancy Bottle, Subtle Floral, Off-Dry
Price: $10.99
Germany, Rheinhessen